How fast do I type

Answers to How fast do I type and other typing questions

So, how fast do I type? Well, the standard measuring stick for how quickly one pecks away is known as words per minute (WPM). In many of the online tests available, a participant will be asked to go for a minute's time and then see how many words they were able to finish in the duration.

Below, let's take a look at some of the best online options for those looking to both clock their speeds AND learn more about typing.What's My Speed?

For those looking to assess their speed on the keyboard -- or if you're still stuck in the late 1800's, the typewriter -- a simple Google search with the term, "how fast do i type" will grant a wealth of online programs, such as: TypingTest.com, Rankmytyping.com and Typeracer.com. There are many, many more of these test sites.

Most of the typing speed websites will also provide a host of other amenities for the viewer. There will be tutorials, games, and more, to go along with the speed tests. Many will offer programs to help users improve their form, speed, and knowledge of typing, as well.TypingTest.com

This is one of the best overall typing sites available. There are options for the typing test, an online tutor, touch typing, typing games, and more. You can test in a variety of different languages, depending upon where you are in the world: English, Spanish, Italian, and more.

You can choose a 1, 2, or 3 minute testing window; in addition, you can pick which paragraph you'd like to copy during your test, be it about baseball, the Wizard of Oz, or something taken from Aesop's fables.

The site even gives you an option to sign up for two free lessons (to see what it's all about) and learn about touch typing thanks to a web-based typing tutor. Basically, it's a method whereby you don't look down at the keys as you tap away. According to the site, the technique can at least double your typing speed!

Rankmytyping.com

Looking more closely at the website, one can get some valuable information, no matter if you're a beginner or the consummate typing pro. According to the site, out of 991,411 entries they've received, the average score is 42.75 WPM.

There are a wealth of other stats, like how fast a secretary pecks away, on average (74 WPM) and how quickly a 13-year-old can go (23 WPM, on average). They have a great database of statistics, in addition. If you're interested in how quickly someone's fingers in the age range of 15-19 can move (46.50 WPM, on average), you can find it on their site by clicking on the "more stats" link.

You can see stats by state, gender, age, occupation, and more. It's a great measuring stick for those looking to see how quickly they can get words on the screen, as well as compare themselves to others in their particular profession, age range, gender, and more.TypeRacer.com

The site can be a great place for kids (and adults) to head in order to clock their speeds, as well as race against your friends online. It's a cool little site which allows you to practice your skills on the keyboard while having a great time with friends -- or other competitors -- the world over.

It will give you a visual of mini cars as they race forward as you input words onto the screen. The program will show you how many words per minute you are typing, as well as show you the car's progress against your other competitors. It shows that typing can in fact be a fun and enjoyable endeavor!

A Few More Links

For newbies looking to get a leg up, here are a few more solid online options for learning how to be a speedier typist: